To drive legally in Iceland, you must have a valid Icelandic driving license or a foreign driving license that is recognized in Iceland. If you have a valid driving license from another country, you may use it in Iceland for up to one year from your date of arrival. After that, you must obtain an Icelandic driving license.
To obtain an Icelandic driving license, you must meet certain requirements and pass a series of tests. These requirements and tests may vary depending on your age, driving experience, and the type of vehicle you plan to drive.
Here are the general steps to get an Icelandic driving license:
- Obtain a learner’s permit: You can apply for a learner’s permit at the age of 17. To do so, you must pass a written test, a vision test, and a health check. The learner’s permit allows you to drive with a licensed driver in the passenger seat.
- Complete a driving course: You must complete a driving course from an approved driving school in Iceland. The course includes both practical and theoretical training.
- Pass a driving test: Once you have completed the driving course, you must pass a driving test. The test includes a practical driving exam on public roads, as well as a theoretical exam.
- Receive your driving license: If you pass both the practical and theoretical exams, you will receive your Icelandic driving license.
It’s important to note that the process of obtaining an Icelandic driving license can be lengthy and expensive. You should expect to spend several months and several thousand Icelandic krona to complete the process.
Driving licenses in Iceland
To legally drive a vehicle in Iceland, you must have a valid driving license issued by the Icelandic government. If you are a resident of Iceland, you can apply for an Icelandic driving license once you have a valid kennitala (Icelandic identification number).
If you have a valid driving license from another country, you can use it in Iceland for a limited period. The exact period depends on the issuing country and the type of license. You can find more information about driving licenses issued by other countries that are valid in Iceland on the website of the Icelandic Transport Authority (Samgöngustofa).
If your driving license is not valid in Iceland, you must apply for an Icelandic driving license. To do so, you must pass a driving test and a theoretical knowledge test. You can find more information about the process of obtaining an Icelandic driving license on the website of the Icelandic Transport Authority.
Getting a driver’s license in Iceland
To get a driver’s license in Iceland, you need to meet certain requirements and pass both theoretical and practical tests. Here are the basic steps:
- Meet the eligibility requirements: To obtain a driver’s license in Iceland, you must be at least 17 years old, have a valid ID, and pass a medical examination.
- Attend theory lessons: You need to attend theory lessons at a driving school to learn traffic rules, signs, and other regulations. You must pass a theoretical test before taking practical lessons.
- Take practical driving lessons: You need to attend a driving school to take practical driving lessons with a licensed instructor.
- Pass the practical test: Once you complete your practical lessons, you need to pass a practical driving test to obtain your license.
- Obtain your driver’s license: If you pass both the theoretical and practical tests, you can obtain your driver’s license.
Note that Iceland recognizes driver’s licenses from certain countries, so if you hold a license from one of these countries, you may be able to convert it to an Icelandic license without having to take the practical test. You can find more information on the official website of the Icelandic Transport Authority.
Driving tests in Iceland
To obtain a driver’s license in Iceland, you must pass a driving test. The test consists of a written and a practical part. The written test consists of multiple-choice questions and is available in several languages, including Icelandic, English, Polish, and Lithuanian. You can take the test at the offices of the Icelandic Transport Authority (Samgöngustofa).
Once you pass the written test, you can take the practical test. The practical test involves driving on the road with a certified examiner, who will assess your driving skills and ability to follow traffic rules and regulations. The examiner will also assess your ability to handle various driving situations, such as parking, turning, and changing lanes.
It’s worth noting that Iceland has some challenging driving conditions due to its weather and terrain. Therefore, it’s essential to have experience driving in different weather and road conditions before taking the driving test.
Driving lessons in Iceland
o get an Icelandic driver’s license, you will have to take a driving test at the Icelandic Transport Authority (Vegagerðin). While it is not required by law, it is highly recommended to take driving lessons from a certified driving instructor before taking the test. There are many driving schools in Iceland where you can take lessons, and you can find a list of certified driving instructors on the website of the Icelandic Transport Authority.
During the driving lessons, you will learn the rules of the road in Iceland, as well as the practical skills necessary to pass the driving test. The driving test will assess your ability to drive safely and correctly in different road and weather conditions, and you will be required to demonstrate your knowledge of traffic rules and road signs.
It’s worth noting that if you already hold a driving license from another country, you may be able to exchange it for an Icelandic driver’s license without taking a driving test. The requirements for exchanging a foreign driver’s license for an Icelandic one vary depending on the country of issue and the type of license, so it’s best to check with the Icelandic Transport Authority for specific information.
Driving with a foreign driver’s license in Iceland
If you have a driver’s license from a country that is a member of the Geneva or Vienna Conventions on Road Traffic, you can use your license in Iceland for up to one year after your arrival in the country. After that, you will need to obtain an Icelandic driver’s license.
If your license is not from a country that is a member of these conventions, you will need to take a written and practical driving test to obtain an Icelandic driver’s license.
It is recommended to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your foreign driver’s license when driving in Iceland. The IDP serves as a translation of your license and can be useful if you are stopped by the police.
Exchange a foreign driver’s license in Iceland
If you have a driver’s license from a country that has an agreement with Iceland, you may be able to exchange it for an Icelandic driver’s license without taking a driving test. The countries that have such an agreement with Iceland are as follows:
- The Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden)
- The European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries
- Switzerland
To exchange your driver’s license, you need to visit an office of the Icelandic Transport Authority (Vegagerðin) and present the following documents:
- Your original driver’s license
- A valid passport or other photo identification
- Proof of residency in Iceland (e.g. rental agreement or utility bill)
- A medical certificate (if you are over 70 years old)
- An Icelandic translation of your driver’s license, if it is not in Icelandic, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, English, or French. The translation must be done by a certified translator.
You may also need to pass a vision test or a theoretical test, depending on the country where your license was issued. The fee for exchanging a driver’s license is around 10,000 ISK (as of May 2023), and the process can take up to three weeks.
Renewing a driver’s license in Iceland
Driver’s licenses in Iceland are valid for four years, after which they need to be renewed. The renewal process can be done at any district commissioner’s office, and you will need to provide your current license, proof of identity (passport or ID card), and a recent passport photo. You will also need to pay a fee for the renewal.
If your driver’s license is from a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA), you may need to take a driving test in Iceland to renew your license. If your license is from an EEA country, it may be possible to exchange it for an Icelandic license without taking a driving test. However, this may depend on the specific country and license type. It is best to check with the Icelandic Transport Authority for the most up-to-date information on license renewal and exchange.
Lost or stolen driver’s licenses in Iceland
If you lose your driver’s license or it is stolen in Iceland, you must report the loss or theft to the police as soon as possible. You can then apply for a new driver’s license at the district commissioner’s office in the district where you are registered. You will need to bring identification documents, such as a passport or ID card, and pay a fee for the replacement license.
If you are a tourist in Iceland and your driver’s license is lost or stolen, you should contact your embassy or consulate for assistance. They can advise you on how to proceed and help you get a replacement license if necessary.
Driver’s licenses in Iceland for other vehicles
In Iceland, there are different categories of driver’s licenses for different types of vehicles. The categories are as follows:
- Category A: For motorcycles with an engine capacity over 125cc
- Category A1: For motorcycles with an engine capacity of 125cc or less
- Category B: For passenger vehicles with up to 9 seats and with a maximum weight of 3,500kg
- Category C: For vehicles over 3,500kg, such as trucks and buses
- Category D: For buses carrying more than 8 passengers in addition to the driver
To obtain a driver’s license for any of these categories, you must meet the specific requirements, including age and medical requirements, and pass the necessary driving tests.
How much does a driving license cost in Iceland?
The cost of a driving license in Iceland can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of license, the driving school you choose, and how many driving lessons you need. As of May 2023, the cost of a category B (passenger car) driving license in Iceland is typically around 200,000 to 250,000 ISK (around 1,400 to 1,750 USD). This includes the cost of theory classes, driving lessons, and the driving test. However, the exact cost may vary between driving schools and individual circumstances. Additionally, other categories of driving licenses, such as motorcycle and truck licenses, may have different costs.